Qwest Communications International - Originates As Subsidiary Of Southern Pacific, 1988-1995, Changes Name To Qwest Communications Corp., 1995-1996

Qwest was one of the first companies to build a fiber-optic network for high-speed data communications that forms the backbone of the Internet and provides a key element of electronic commerce. After completing construction of its 18,500-mile national fiber-optic network in 1999, Qwest added 4,300 route miles in Canada and Mexico and continued to build fiber-optic rings in Europe. As of 2001 the company had more than 100,000 miles of fiber capacity and planned to have 12,500 miles installed in Europe by year-end 2001.

Qwest's national fiber-optic network enables it to provide advanced communication services—including data, multimedia, and Internet-based services—on a national and international basis principally to large and mid-size business and government customers. Nationally, the company also offers local and long-distance telephone service.

In 2000 Qwest completed the acquisition of US West, a regional Bell operating company (RBOC). The acquisition gave Qwest 25 million US West local phone customers in 14 western states. Within this 14-state region Qwest offers wireless services, local telecommunications, and related services, and directory services to consumers, businesses, and government entities. Under federal regulations, Qwest was not able to offer long-distance service within the states served by US West. By opening its network to local exchange telephone competitors within the 14-state area and conforming to other federal requirements, Qwest hoped to begin offering long-distance services to customers within the 14-state area.

Qwest's Web hosting services are offered under its CyberCenter program. In March 2000 Qwest entered into an agreement with IBM to open 28 Cyber-Centers, which would host applications, services, and network infrastructures. The first facility under the agreement was opened in Dallas, Texas, in February 2001. At the time Qwest operated a total of 15 U.S. CyberCenters. Internationally, Qwest created a joint venture with KPN, called KPNQwest, to open 18 CyberCenters in Europe. The first center in Europe opened in mid-2000.